Three of esports’ most recognizable organizations have locked in their spots for what’s shaping up to be the biggest competitive gaming event of the year. 100 Thieves, HEROIC, and Fluxo W7M have registered for the 2026 Esports World Cup qualifiers, joining a growing roster of elite clubs vying for a share of a $75 million prize pool.
But the team registrations aren’t the real story here. The real story is who’s footing part of the bill: Coinbase and Bitget, marking the first time crypto sponsors have appeared in EWC history.
Inside the EWC 2026 setup
The 2026 Esports World Cup runs from July 6 to August 23 in Paris, spanning 25 events across 24 different games. That $75 million total prize pool makes it one of the richest competitive gaming tournaments ever staged.
100 Thieves, HEROIC, and Fluxo W7M are among 40 clubs selected for the EWC Club Partner Program, a structure that provides elite organizations with six-figure funding and other incentives to participate.